Fourth Jr doctor hospitalised as Kolkata hunger strike enters day 10

The health condition of another protesting junior doctor, Pulastha Acharya of NRS Medical College, worsened on Sunday, Day 9 of the hunger strike. He was rushed to the hospital after experiencing severe stomach pain, becoming the fourth medic to be hospitalised since the protest began. The hunger strike was launched to demand justice for the rape and murder of an RG Kar Hospital trainee doctor and better working conditions for healthcare professionals.

The hunger strike, which initially involved 11 junior doctors, entered its 10th day on Monday. The agitating medics are pushing for increased hospital security, including permanent female police personnel, and the removal of State Health Secretary NS Nigam. Other demands include a centralised referral system, improved hospital infrastructure, and task forces to ensure essential facilities such as CCTVs, on-call rooms, and washrooms for staff.

Meanwhile, the West Bengal government has reached out to the protesting doctors. Chief Secretary Manoj Pant urged the Joint Platform of Doctors (JPD) to call off a proposed protest on October 15, which coincides with the state's Pujo Carnival, citing safety concerns due to international dignitaries attending the event. Pant also invited the JPD for a meeting at Swasthya Bhawan to discuss their demands.

In solidarity with the junior doctors in Kolkata, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) announced a 24-hour nationwide hunger strike on October 15. The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has also withdrawn its planned shutdown of elective services on Monday.

This ongoing protest follows a previous 42-day strike, which was briefly paused after assurances from the state government in September. However, with little action taken on their demands, the medics resumed their fast-unto-death.